Friday, August 30, 2013

So this is the reason why I haven't posted anything for a while. As much as I wanted to write something, I was caught up between changing nappies, breastfeeding and other domestic duties. Oh yes, I already gave birth 3 weeks ago. It was a scheduled delivery via C-section at the Makati Medical Center.

Now introducing my baby daughter.. my dear bunso.. Suna Isobel!

I am excited to tell you more about our little bundle of joy, but I am afraid I need to leave that for later 'cos I have a visitor coming. Gotta pick up some mess before my little one wakes up.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

This musical mobile was the cutest I could find that fits the flowers and butterflies theme of my daughters' pink room. I knew it is what I exactly need the first time I saw it at Baby Company so I grabbed it right away. This is my first time to review a toy just I liked this item so much. I am planning to give this toy to my baby niece once my baby daughter outgrown it.

This Redbox Bugs Musical Mobile for P1,199.75 has soft and colorful hanging toys which include bee, beetle, dragonfly, caterpillar, butterfly and flowers.

It is very easy to assemble. Attach to the crib or playpen tightly and out of the baby's reach, then wind up to hear a lovely musical tone.

I have been using this musical mobile since my baby daughter arrived home and she would listen to the sound, sometimes move her head towards its direction once played. Looking forward to use this product until she finally turns to rattles and teethers. Again, we loved this toy very much. This item has excellent quality and is safe for babies.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

This rainy day is making me think of nothing else but food and eating. Can't go out yet so I am posting about my family's newest food discovery while still holding my patience over this wet gloomy weather-- Chili's at SM Megamall.

Chili's is an American restaurant that offers Texan-Mexicancuisine. Our feet lead us to their branch at the Atrium after hubby noticed their ad at Mega B one day. Btw, excuse the quality of photos 'cause they were taken using my camera phone.

Texas Cheese Poppers at P325 is a perfect choice for an appetizer. My eldest daughter who is a huge fan of anything with cheese loves this finger food so much. It is crunchy on the outside, then soft and chewy inside.

A plate of Classic Nachos good for 3 to 4 people is P435. I got ours for free. Thank you very much to the manager who came to our table and gave us a coupon the first time we dined there. These nachos are the yummiest ever.

Their Fish and Chips sells at P395. We shouldn't order this one if we knew how big was the serving of nachos. The three of us barely finished this plate even they tasted good. Excuse me waiter, for take out please! :)

This one is called Big Mouth Burger Bites at P420. It is composed of 4 mouth-watering mini burgers served with potato fries and onion rings. This is another big plate so better share it with other 2 to 4 people.

What I ordered to satisfy a gestational craving was this Country-style Pork Belly for P425. Too bad Chili's don't have plain rice. I could've enjoyed this better if they gave me steamed rice instead of that yellow rice on the side.

Lastly, I have here hubby's favorite which is called Blackened Fish Fillet P395. I don't remember the exact definition of this dish tho. I think it was like fish fillet with spices and herbs served with black beans and cajun rice.

My elder daughter coloring and doodling while waiting for the food to be served, using the paper and crayons that a Chili's waiter provided. Family-friendly huh, something that I really like from this restaurant.

Now for the overall rating of Chili's at SM Megamall, I say this casual dining restaurant definitely deserves an 8.5 over 10! The mood and the crowd at this place are usually nice. The place has a beautiful interior, has enough lighting and clean. The servers are polite and the manager is accommodating. I must admit that their food is a little expensive compared with other American restaurants. However, you (sometimes) don't really mind paying a little more if all you get is excellent taste and service, right?

Friday, August 09, 2013

I thought it was going to be just an ordinary day with my husband and daughter at Gateway Mall in Cubao last week. You know we seldom go there because of traffic and too much people. I remember the last time we visited the place was to watch the show Disney Princesses and Heroes on Ice at the Araneta Coliseum. After a quick lunch at Burger King (I gave in to my fast-food cravings again), we headed to Rustan's for some shopping and look what hubby bought for me-- a Longchamp Le Pliage in pink!

Someone asked me about an authentic Le Pliage, so I guess I'll make a review of this tote soon.

Ayayayay.. I can't help but be happy! Hubby said it's his push present for me. He knew I have been planning to buy myself a Longchamp tote out of blogging money. I could've bought it last year for my birthday when he gave me cash as present. However, I kind of procrastinated until I ended up buying something else.

For those who haven't heard of a push present yet, Wikipedia explains its meaning and I quote:

"A push present (also known as a push gift, baby mama gift or baby bauble) is a present a father gives to the mother to mark the occasion of her giving birth to their child. In practice the present may be given before or after the birth, or even in the delivery room. The giving of push presents has supposedly grown in the United States in recent years. [1] A push gift is any type of present loved ones give to a woman who has recently given birth to a child.[2] The name push gift although indicative of a vaginal delivery does not exclude those women who have given birth through a C-section".

Mirror shot with my new pink tote..^^

Oh yeah, this is one of the perks of being pregnant. Prior to this, hubby also bought something very special for me during our Turkish summer vacation.

At the moment you're reading this entry of mine, I'll be in a hospital already holding our new baby girl in my arms, with hubby and 4 yo daughter smiling happily beside me.

With all of these things, I thank God for giving me a loving husband and beautiful daughters. Most of all, I thank Him for guiding me towards the end of my pregnancy and until delivery. I pray that He may continue bless us and also bless the others who need more. Amen.

Thursday, August 08, 2013

I asked this question to my OB-GYN during my last visit, although I already had an idea of things to bring. She gave me a list of items to pack and glad I asked 'cause I didn't know I still lack some things both in my 'mommy bag' and baby bag.

Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Here goes another DIY project. I decided to make a canopy mosquito net for my baby after having no luck of finding one for her crib. I checked a couple of department stores, however all they could offer was a pink canopy net in a very small size and a regular umbrella net. So off I went to different stores to buy the materials I needed, thinking that I could create a canopy that will surely fit my baby daughter's crib without hurting my budget.

This is my first DIY mosquito net canopy. At first I had a hard time finding crochet hoops and I was close to buying a towel ring to be used an alternative. Thanks goodness I spotted DMC at SM Megamall, a store that sells products for crocheting and cross-stitching; then I purchased tulle from Fabric Warehouse, ribbon from Carolina's, and the rest from National Bookstore.

For the complete list of materials I used for this project, please kindly refer to the video.

Important Note: Sorry I did mistake with the total measurement of the ribbon I used. It's 10 yards instead of 5.

How To Make A Canopy Mosquito Net

Separate the crochet hoops.

Divide the fabric into 3 with 3.5 yards each part.

Tuck the equally divided fabric in the separated hoops.

Make sure to arrange them well into order to drape evenly.

Glue any opening and then lock the hoops together.

Glue the sides of the canopy, leaving one side as front opening.

Get 3.5 yards of ribbon and glue it to the right edge of the opening.

Repeat the same process for the left side.

Cut a part of the remaining ribbon that would fit the hoop.

Glue it around.

Divide the rest of the ribbon into 12 parts.

Create 12 bows out of them.

Glue each handmade flower to each bow.

Embellish the canopy mosquito net with those ribbon flowers.

Hang the finished product over the baby's bed and enjoy the beautiful princessy site.

If you mommies need a bigger canopy for your child's bed or crib, you better do it yourself and save. A small canopy costs only P150 at SM but it barely covers a small baby bed. If you need bigger and better quality, you have to pay almost P1,800. Pray for availability too because they are always out of stock.

Tuesday, August 06, 2013

Anyone here who likes Kristin Cavallari of The Hills? I think she's a cool mom and wife. I love her style too, which is pretty casual and comfortable. In the photo below, Kristin Cavallari carries her baby and a classic Chanel tote while out and about in LA.

Gotta get those sexy curves after the baby huh? :)

To steal her look, I created this board over at Polyvore, using items from River Island, Asos, New Look, Mango, etc.

It is a bit rainy these day so I guess this will make a perfect outfit inspiration. Replace the leather jacket with denim if you don't have one. Also, go for a pair of boots if you can't afford to walk in heels while braving the floods. There's only one thing that you need more to complete this rainy ensemble, though. What is it you asked? Well, what else? But a heavy duty umbrella! :)

Source of Photos:http://www.purseblog.com/http://mrskolca.polyvore.com/

Monday, August 05, 2013

I told you I will try to come up with another DIY Filipiniana costume for my daughter. As you know August is Buwan ng Wika, the month that we celebrate our national language here in the Philippines. I am kind of tired sending my daughter in the same old baro't saya every Friday, so I thought of creating another costume which she can use alternately.

Dyaraan! What do you think of my new DIY Filipino Muslim costume?

Oh yes.. we have a little problem with color. Everything should be in pink. Haha!

To come up with the body wrap, just measure enough fabric that could cover your little girl, not too tight and not too loose, and the length should start from her shoulders to her ankles. Sew the sides, creating a small malong out of the fabric and you're done.

Let your daughter wear the leotard first, then the malong by tying it on her right shoulder. She can use the pearl bracelet as it is, but the pearl necklace as a headpiece. Just secure the necklace with pins in order not to fall off.

Sunday, August 04, 2013

My frutti glaze nails faded after almost 3 weeks so I had to had to replace color. I cleaned and colored them yesterday before going to St. Luke's for my last pre-natal visit to my OB-GYN. At first I was thinking of two tone nails in red and silver. Unfortunately, I ran out of time and ended up with nails almost similar to my last.

I call my this 'Christmas in August' because it looks like a glittery Christmas ball.

The products I used are Caronia Platinum Glitter Frosted and Caronia Desire Frosted.

A close up shot of my newly-painted nails. I love it. I am sure it will last for over 2 weeks again! :)

That's all for my quick post this morning. Gotta prepare my myself, take a shower and get out of here. Have a happy Sunday everyone. Muah muah!!

Saturday, August 03, 2013

I became a fan of AMC's TV series The Walking Dead when my younger brother insisted we buy a DVD copy of all the previous seasons. I didn't really bother to watch it when it was still airing on Fox Channel, but things changed after I was able to finish all seasons 1 to 3. With that, I would like to thank my brother for introducing me to this series which is so addicting.

One of my favorite characters from Walking Dead is Daryl Dixon (left).

My top favorite is Michonne because she's the toughest among female characters.

This is the trailer of Walking Dead Season 4. It has 16 episodes and it will premiere on October 13, 2013. As you can see, there are more walkers in this season so life in the prison becomes tougher esp. when one of the cell blocks was attacked. No heavy equipment with or any strong barricade every corner of the cell for protection. It looks like they are running out of ammunition, too. Better yet, they leave the prison and find a safer place to stay while more and more walkers come to attack.

Ahh.. I am already very excited for October. No idea what will happen between Rick Grimes and the Governor this time, though. I just know that there will be more twists in the story. More twist meaning more actions. We'll see!

Source of Photos and Video:https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkingDeadAMChttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxg27QsaIEY

Friday, August 02, 2013

As a pregnant woman, I receive tactless comments and questions from people I know to strangers I meet outside. Others would probably shrug their shoulders or laugh these things off, but I am sure there are women out there who can relate to my situation. I already reached the final month of my pregnancy, but honestly still can't get over with those things that I think shouldn't be told to pregnant women like me.

Me and my 6 month old belly touring around Ephesus in Turkey.

1. Buntis*
This is plain annoying. To call a woman that way instead of her given name is rude. Okay, she is obviously pregnant but you don't have to say that to her face. It's like calling Peter pilay after he injured his foot and started using crutches.

2. You look like you're ready to pop. You are huge, bigger, swollen.. blah blah blah!
The last thing a pregnant woman wants to hear is a comment on her size or the way she looks, so stop talking about her appearance before and during pregnancy. That is very rude.

3. Any crazy body changes yet? Do you have stretchmarks? Dark underarms?
I don't get it when people would actually ask this to someone who is gestating. Who knows what else she's going through aside from dealing with those changes? Besides, who would be comfortable to talk about it? Tsk tsk tsk!

4. Are you and the father of your child still together or getting married?
Seriously?! Is that your concern at all? These questions are too personal. Please do not expect she'll share these things to you.

5. You should have a girl (or boy).
Whether her baby is a girl or not, she cannot do anything but accept it. So, you don't have to say this as if she can decide the gender of her child.

6. There is no doubt you are having a girl/boy. I can tell by the shape of your tummy, size of your nose, etc.
I know right? People will predict your baby's gender in the most unscientific way. A friend of mine was told a number of times that she was having a baby boy because of dark rashes on her neck. Her baby's gender was revealed on the 6th month through an ultrasound and guess what.. it was a baby girl all along!

7. You must breastfeed your baby.
It's like saying she'll be the worst mother if she doesn't breastfeed her baby. Everyone knows the importance of breastfeeding. However, it is a personal decision and it is all up to the mother whether she chooses to breastfeed or not. Remember though that parenting isn't all about breastfeeding alone. There is more to that.

8. Oh yes, you are eating for two!
This is an annoying remark. You'll surely embarrass a pregnant woman by saying something like this to her. She needs extra calories for her baby to grow so leave her alone!

Thursday, August 01, 2013

After 2 days and one night in Izmir, we continued our road trip to the Aegean Region of Turkey and reached our final stop which was Kusadasi in the province of Aydin. Again, it was spontaneous travel without any reservation so we looked for a place to stay for a couple of nights the moment we hit the town.

We stayed at Kusadasi Guesthouse Pansiyon for P2500 per person/ night including free breakfast. IKR.. more expensive than Susuzlu Hotel in Izmir because of its location.

The view from the balcony of our room. See what I mean here? This place is a resort town and the guesthouse is just across the beach that's why accommodation is a little higher.

We woke up to this view of the blue horizon and a large Mediterranean cruise ship docked at the peninsula on our second day. Ahhh.. so beautiful and postcard perfect!

Zooming in my camera, I could see the Guvercin Adası or "Pigeon Island". Sorry about the wrong info in my previous post HERE. I really thought Pigeon Island is also Pygale.

It was 19 Mayis or the 19th of May. There was this parade of people holding Turkish flags and banners in commemoration of Atatürk and celebration of Youth and Sports Day.

The weather was really nice that day. The temperature was around 24 to 26 degrees and it was quiet windy, so we went to the beach for swimming and looking around.

My husband and the daughter tried the Aegean beach. Everybody seemed to have fun under the sun except for me. I was not in the mood for swimming with my pregnant belly. Hihi.

On our last night, we walked around the marina area and discovered this food and shopping place. After dinner, we went to town's center to see the performance of Şevval Sam.

That's all for Kusadasi. I know it's already August and I am being slow in dealing with backlogs. I still have a couple of travel post to come so please just tune in! :)